Many organizations and associations complain that their Learning Management System (LMS) is not user friendly, lacks the ability to engage members, and is outdated, with limited opportunities to monetize online education content.
If it’s time to look for a new LMS that is capable of delivering your association or organization members a better user experience, one that uses state-of-the-art technology and offers unparalleled customer service and project management, Vocalmeet may very well be the solution you’ve been looking for. And, in this era of change, the focus on monetizing your continuing education programs offer countless opportunities for non-dues revenue and membership growth.
Vocalmeet makes it simple and easy for members and non-members to find, purchase, and complete continuing education courses through their innovative design and simple layout, and they also provide guidance and technical support for those who may need assistance.
With Vocalmeet’s customizable e-commerce options, members can expect an easy Amazon-like experience when purchasing their continuing education courses.
Many attorneys, for example, rush to complete their Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements during the last three calendar months of the year, before their year-end deadline, and where an outdated LMS will struggle to handle the rush of users on the platform. Vocalmeet is perfectly capable of dealing with a large and rapid influx of system users.
The Birmingham Bar Association uses Vocalmeet’s LMS for their Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs. The team at Vocalmeet takes care of all aspects of implementation, platform set-up, course development and technical support to the association’s members and non-members.
When asked to describe her experience with Vocalmeet, Jennifer Buettner, Executive Director at The Birmingham Bar Association states, “The onboarding process was incredibly easy and the Vocalmeet staff has been extremely pleasant to work with. I went through the entire process myself to complete a CLE course, and I continue to be pleased with my decision to sign on with Vocalmeet.”
Like The Birmingham Bar Association, any association that chooses Vocalmeet is able to focus their full attention on the core business initiatives of delivering quality and value to its members by relying on and trusting in Vocalmeet’s easy-to-use, online learning platform.
Vocalmeet makes the development of fresh, state-of-the-art continuing education platforms easy and simple for associations, and their free marketing services allow an association to quickly realize a return on their initial investment. The team at Vocalmeet believes that automation is vital to the success of continuing education programs as it leads to higher revenue and better member engagement.
An easy-to-use online education platform is also essential when it comes to increasing the sales for online courses, as members are far more likely to flock to a user-friendly solution like Vocalmeet, than one that takes time and resources to understand.
Visit Vocalmeet online today to learn more about their online learning solutions and the benefits of their new technology.
For Dr. Laurelle Jno Baptiste, Vice President of Professional Services at Vocalmeet, an award-winning innovator, technologist and educator, access to quality education has been a life-long passion.
Her passion for education grew into a hunger to succeed, which has propelled her into a career helping associations, learning institutions, and organizations across North America drive technology innovation through the development of online learning platforms.
Having led the implementation of hundreds of online learning platforms over the past 12 years, Dr. Jno Baptiste knows a thing or two about the changing landscape of this digital age. For example, this era of change, what has been termed “The Great Resignation” hasn’t caught everyone off guard, and has been a long time coming, according to Anthony Koltz, associate professor of management at Texas A&M University, who recently coined the term.
Dr. Jno Baptiste believes that the global health crisis has only exasperated a problem that was already underway. However, this mass exodus from the workforce opens up opportunities for associations and member-based organizations to excel and provide opportunities for solutions.
She believes that associations are uniquely positioned to offer members a much-needed sense of community and upskill opportunities that are needed during an era of change.
Offering opportunities for people to access their online learning platforms from anywhere, and at any time, in addition to providing purposeful education, arms individuals with the tools they need to transition from one position or career to the next.
Being at the forefront of the digital revolution of online learning and being able to help associations navigate this digital age is among the proudest of accomplishments for Dr. Jno Baptiste. And, she believes that as technologies continue to advance, the opportunities to enhance the online learning experience continues to grow, giving associations and organizations an opportunity to thrive and succeed as well, by offering members even more state-of-the-art learning technologies through Vocalmeet.
“Access to education changed my life, so I’m passionate about connecting knowledge, technology and people by transforming the way organizations deliver education online,” says Dr. Jno Baptiste.
There are several lessons to be learned from the rapid transition to remote working, learning and from the massive changes in the workforce. One of those lessons is that creating a positive and productive work culture is more important than ever. Using an online platform to give association members an opportunity to share their thoughts, while feeling part of a community, is essential to a healthy work culture.
Another method of empowering association members is through a focus on education and personal growth. Professional work development is an important part of helping association members grow, and advance their professional lives. However, non-work related, personal development is a big factor as to why people seek other opportunities.
Empowering them to work on their personal wellness is more important than ever.
“The ‘great resignation’ does not have to mean doom and gloom for organizations and associations, because it actually opens up new opportunities to improve,” says Dr. Jno Baptiste.
Thanks to online technology, bringing on new members is not limited by geographic location, so the membership pool is diverse and vast.
An opportunity exists to use technology to make new members feel comfortable, and a part of the community.
To have access to the expertise, experience, and passion of purpose-driven technologist, like those at Vocalmeet, the great resignation will prove to be the catalyst for positive and productive change.
“I am honored and excited to be a part of this transitional time in online learning and engagement, and I feel empowered by providing the advanced technology and professionalism that Vocalmeet has to offer,” adds Dr. Jno Baptiste.
For more than twelve years, the leadership team at Vocalmeet has worked closely with professional associations across North America, to enhance their member benefits by providing online, continuing professional education platforms. Vocalmeet has earned its stellar reputation from a steadfast commitment to client success, and by providing exceptional project management and customer service at every level because they understand the unique needs of associations and organizations and what it takes to succeed.
For more information and to join the online learning movement, visit Vocalmeetonline today.
Students and professionals alike are all sharing one thing in common as we continue to combat COVID-19: learning and working remotely. It’s the new norm and will be the way of the future.
This past March, the global pandemic forced schools, colleges and universities, governments, and businesses to close their doors, leaving teachers, families and business owners to adapt to remote instruction and remote communication.
Yes, it’s all been a real challenge, especially as we are entering the second wave with a dramatic increase in COVID-19 numbers, but the true innovators of today are helping to light the path forward, with solutions to meet these global challenges.
“The Lightboard is a piece of glass positioned between the camera and the presenter and it allows you to draw in much the same way you would on a blackboard or a whiteboard,” explains Mike Justason during a live demo of the product.
Justason, who is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University, is the brainchild behind bringing this new and innovative technology from the studio into the homes of educators. Five years ago, he was introduced to the concept of a lightboard studio at McMaster, and he became fascinated with its benefits for online learners. With this, he began creating several iterations of home-lightboards and also studied what was available on the market. Fast forward to 2020, and with the global pandemic changing the world, he dusted off his gear to teach online. The rest is history and The Lightboard was born.
What’s interesting is that he is giving his Zoom presentation to the media from his son’s bedroom and you wouldn’t even know it: a dark background and The Lightboard – that’s all you see and in seconds you are immersed into his remote class that he broadcasts through a webcam on a tripod. And thanks to Free Open Source Software that is easy to use and readily accessible, his drawings and words are flipped so the audience can see them front on.
“If I have any kind of course content that really necessitates drawing, that’s no problem. The Lightboard will allow you to draw and effectively deliver the right content to your audience. More importantly, our new technology allows you to maintain eye contact. You can continuously face an audience and it helps to maintain that relationship between the student and the instructor which can be very challenging in online teaching,” he adds.
The Lightboard also allows instructors to integrate other familiar methods for learning, like PowerPoint, videos, and so much more!
“Over the years, I’ve built up a whole bunch of PowerPoint slides and I can still use those with this new technology,” he says during his Zoom presentation to the media.
As the PowerPoint slides load up on the glass, Justason begins to underline and circle words to better interact with the audience.
“The students really love this,” he says, “because they are engaged, and they are learning. The technology is also perfect for spreadsheets, word documents, PDFs, and videos – just click a button and the content appears together with the presenter in an interactive space.”
The technology is also completely compatible with all online teaching platforms, like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Because online doesn’t have to suck
We all know that remote learning and meetings have been amped up in a big way since the pandemic took its grip on the world, however, students and business audiences are becoming more critical to non-engaging presentations with a mere voice and PowerPoint slides.
Students are spending thousands-and-thousands of dollars on their college and university education, entrepreneurs are spending loads of money on courses, training, and certifications, and parents are now required to help their kids learn, which means that boring presentations are not making the grade.
But The Lightboard is and it is technology that will definitely be a hit on the market.
“Online doesn’t have to suck,” laughs Justason. “I started using a studio lightboard back in 2016. COVID-19 gave me the kick-in-the-butt I needed to get a quality home-version up and running, and we launched in May of 2020 in order to help professors, lecturers, teachers, and business leaders teach more effectively – a direct benefit for students and audiences alike. Those who are using our technology are raving about it too.Everyone loves it as a remote learning tool as it makes everyone feel connected, regardless of their geographic location.”
Heritage West Plumbing
& Heating is here to serve homeowners and commercial clients
Heritage West Plumbing &
Heating has a strong presence in Calgary and the surrounding area, and now the
company has amped things up a few notches with the launch of their new website
and brand.
The company’s website is innovative
in design, user-friendly and has all sorts of calls to action: Request a Free
Quote, Contact Us 24/7, and Emergency Call Service.
The site is loaded with all the
right information homeowners and businesses need for their plumbing and heating
requirements, and Heritage West Plumbing & Heating highlights how committed
they are to safety for their clients. The well-known business always wears
masks, medical gloves and they always use disinfectant spay at all sites –
residential and commercial.
Clients have always been a top
priority for Heritage West Plumbing & Heating, and if you live in town,
then you will enjoy working with their team.
Symon is well-known for being
friendly and efficient and this is why his company is a household name in
Calgary.
The young business owner is a Red-Seal
Plumber and Gasfitter, and he is also a Cross Connection Control Specialist.
His company is getting rave reviews
on social media and on Google Reviews, and their new logos is turning heads
online, and on the roads and highways in and around Calgary!
Heritage West is a certified
company and top-rated by all its clients in the city. Reliable, clean,
friendly, and quality plumbing – this is why customers rave about this business
that is dominating the industry locally.
Don’t delay what you need fixed –
get it done now to save time and money down the road. Keep in mind, if you put
off fixing your plumbing or heating needs now, it could cost you greatly in the
future. Do you want frozen pipes in the winter? Do you want your heat shutting
down when it hits -48 °C? How about your AC clunking out when its 30-plus? Not!
So, call them today and get your
drains, pipes, and heating ready for the winter.
You can call Symon directly at
403.993.0639 – he will be thrilled you called.
For more information, visit the
company one today and learn more about their professionalism and services: www.heritagewestplumbing.com
This “Travel Queen” is used to a luxury lifestyle and that goes
especially for travel, so renting an RV in her home province of Ontario
was never on the radar until COVID-19.
Our guard, Nour Nataki, was recently working at a busy downtown
commercial account, when he was alerted to an incident occurring in the
food court area. He sprang into action and encountered a frantic mother,
who was clutching her child in her arms, and screaming and pointing to
the escalators.
Nour engaged with the suspect after catching up to him on the down
escalator, and at the same time a group of gentlemen were also in
pursuit of the suspect.
The suspect was then apprehended by the two gentlemen, and as Nour
arrived at the bottom of the escalator he then realized that the suspect
was in danger from the others gathering around him. With this, Nour
took charge of the situation and advised the suspect that he was to
follow him, but when the suspect refused Nour engaged the suspect
physically, taking control of the suspect and removing him out of harms
way.
Shortly after that interaction, Toronto Police Services were
contacted and immediately attended the scene. After a brief
investigation, the suspect was taken into custody for allegedly
attempting to abduct a child.
LS. No. There is currently an advisory for all
Canadian residents advising against all non-essential travel, however
this is an advisory, not a ban, and therefore travel is not illegal and
is soon to be changed, according to those in the know.
Q. As a Canadian where can I travel right now?
LS.There are several flights from Air Canada operating from Canada;
however, you must be aware of restrictions upon arriving into a country
and returning back to Canada. In my next article I will tell you more
about where you can go to and how to get there. Follow me on Instagram
@lorrainesimpsontravels
Q. Will I be able to get travel insurance if there is a travel advisory in place?
LS. No. Most insurance companies will not insure you
if there is a travel advisory. To be safe, you should wait till the
advisory is lifted.
Q. When do you see the advisory being lifted?
LS. I do not have a crystal ball, but there are
rumours that the advisory will be lifted by the end of the month. Many
more flights are being added from July 1st from Canada, which does
indicate they know more than we do. Also, tourism councils have been in
talks with the government and according to the Daily Mail from
London British travelers can come to Canada without quarantine from June
30th. We can not confirm this accurately, so it is based on their say
at the moment, however if you follow other countries and their timelines
this does seem to tally up.
Q. How safe are the planes?
LS.Airlines are increasing their hygiene protocols to ensure onboard transmissions remain low.
Some airlines are using UVC lights to clean surfaces. As an added
precaution, you will want to bring your own supply of disinfecting wipes
to wipe down tray tables, seat arms, windows, and walls. Physical
distancing is tough in a confined space like an airplane. Most airlines
have made the middle seat unavailable to help maintain social
distancing. The CDC reports most viruses are not easily spread on
flights because of how airplanes circulate and filter the air. Air is
circulated up to 6 times per hour and processed through HEPA filters
which remove 99.97 percent of particles passing through them.
Q. Will I be tested on arrival or do I have to be tested before I travel?
LS. Some airlines, like Emirates,
are testing all passengers with a fast track test before travel and
some airports are testing on arrival. If you are tested on arrival, like
in Vienna for example, you will not have the results right away but you
will need to provide an address where you will be staying and would be
informed if you had the virus. All countries are different, and you must
research for the latest up-to-date information on where you are
traveling to and their rules… they change often so be aware.
Q. Will the lines be longer at airports?
LS. At the moment security may be slower, but lines
not as long as fewer people will be traveling. Many documents are going
paperless, so if you can have everything ready to go it will be much
faster. Make sure you keep a handy hand sanitizer ready, and also have a
spare mask too as these will become the norm everywhere.
Q. Will I have to wear a mask?
LS. Yes. Most planes, airports and public transport
will demand you wear a mask all the time. They can be any kind of face
covering and do not have to be medical grade; however, I suggest taking a
few so you have one spare in your purse and your luggage.
Q. Will there be other travel restrictions?
LS. Yes. Each airline and airport are coming up with
different rules and protocols. I also plan to travel soon and document
the entire experience. I will report back to you so that you know
everything in this new era of travel.
Remember this: All these measures are to protect you and your fellow
passengers. It is not the fault of anyone implementing the measures and
if you are running late for your plane because you did not allow extra
time for the new measures, then you are the only one to blame.
Remain calm: Remain Kind and Considerate and we will also be able to start to travel safely once again.
Lorraine Soon: Coming Soon – Food and onboard service
Coming soon with Simpson are questions about food and onboard
service, where you can travel in Canada, and what the new kind of travel
looks and feels like.
Lorraine Simpson, Two Time Magellan Award Winning Travel entrepreneur and now Cityline TV Travel Expert,
started out as many Travel Advisors did, with a home based franchise, a
computer, and very limited resources. Within five years she was selling
over $4-million a year and was collecting multiple awards on a regular
basis. Now a regular on National and Regional TV, Lorraine is the most
visually recognized Canadian Travel Professional in the Media today. She
shares her travel tips with Cityline TV Viewers on a regular basis
about locations, travel types, cruises, all inclusive trip, and
weddings.
Visit Lorraine Simpson’s website today and discover how she can help “fuel” your travel plans.
COVID-19 has impacted all our lives and many of us have been stuck at home for months.
So, if you are looking for a nice and safe getaway to help cure
“cabin fever,” then Antigua is a place you need to visit once life gets
back to normal, which is soon… real soon.
This scenic island in the Caribbean offers the perfect antidotes to
the “pandemic blues” and has tons of beaches that are perfect for social
distancing.
“When I visited Antigua, it was love at first sight. I was blown away
by the translucent waters of turquoise and azure that look
photoshopped, miles of soft white sand, and all the rum punches,
daiquiris, and pina coladas you can drink. Visitors get all this and
more when traveling to Antigua – 108 square miles of tropical beauty and
it’s only about a four-and half hour flight from Toronto Pearson
International Airport. There are a number of direct flights a week, and
you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank on airfare as prices are
very affordable.”
As we all know, the Caribbean was slammed with several hurricanes in
the past few years and Antigua was narrowly avoided, leaving it in
perfect shape to welcome visitors searching for Caribbean sunshine and
vitamin SEA!
“This is not the kind of island where you have to fight for towel
space with partying college students and social distancing is an easy
task. For one thing, there are 365 beaches here, which means there are
plenty of places to chill for everyone. This beautiful island
specializes in laid-back luxury and honeymoon-worthy resorts, attracting
travelers who like their tropical vacations to have a refined vibe,”
says Simpson.
“Antigua is a land of sea and sun, and there are lots of fun ways to
take full advantage of both. Spend time on the water: snorkel to see the
colourful fish and inhabitants of the reefs, sail or go deep sea
fishing.
Beach time should also be high on your to-do list as it is balm for
the soul, especially after we have all experienced living in a pandemic.
Go ahead, play in the sand, splash in the water, and soak up the
sunshine.
History, culture, yachts, and more!
Antigua is just 9 miles by 12 but feels larger, and one place not to
miss is English Harbour. This was awarded World Heritage List status
last year for its Georgian-era naval dockyards, and you can admire the
massive stone pillars that survived from its great sail loft built in
1797. Nelson was based here, and it is a charming place to visit that
combines a national park with a lively harbour reflecting Antigua’s role
as the winter capital of the yachting world. Today, the Georgian
buildings have been restored and some are still used for maritime
purposes, like sail making. Visitors can see those as well as modern-day
yachts anchored in the harbour and the juxtaposition of past and
present is striking. The tour and museum are well done and also brief
enough to keep kids interested.
“Messing about on the water is an essential activity here, whether
it’s stand-up paddle-boarding or an exhilarating day trip to feel what
it’s like to be part of a crew racing a 40ft yacht,” smiles Simpson.
“Most resorts offer complimentary non-motorised watersports, while
memorable excursions include a catamaran cruise with snorkeling at the
beautiful Cades Reef and a trip to Stingray City Antigua to get in the
water with these gracefully flapping creatures.”
“Inland there’s hiking and biking and zip-lining, while on Sunday
afternoon everyone heads to the panoramic Shirley Heights Lookout for a
barbecue with steel pan music. This is a very sociable, family-friendly
island where people will happily talk cricket all day and are masters at
showing visitors a good time. Take full advantage of nature in Antigua.
Check out Indian Town National Park which features Devil’s Bridge, a
limestone arch that has been created by centuries of pounding by ocean
waves; and hike through the rainforest.”
Simpson’s favourite is the Adults Only Cocos.
It really is a wonderfully romantic spot. The beautiful couples-only
resort is perched on a secluded ocean bluff – meaning there are
spectacular, Instagram-worthy views everywhere you turn.
The vibe of the charming, family-run hotel is very much
down-to-earth. There are 30 rustic wooden cottages in total, each with
its own private veranda, large bathroom with his’n’hers sinks, and an
outdoor shower. All of them are clean, comfortable and feature dark
wooden floors, crisp white linens and a well-stocked fridge. But if it’s
a special occasion, Simpson recommends splashing out – and splashing
around – in the signature Sunset Plunge Pool Cottage, where there’s a
private infinity pool.
Then there is the all-inclusive Blue Waters Resort in
Soldiers Bay that just underwent a $2 million makeover. It is located
on 17 acres of tropical gardens with a spa and kids’ club, plus an
18-hole golf course that’s only five minutes away.
This beautifully designed resort with 116 rooms and suites feels so
much more intimate. The rooms are charming and well-appointed, the pool
and beach sublime and the food superb. But the best part is the feel,
with an ambience that takes you back to a Caribbean that’s very hard to
find nowadays.
The Verandah
is a firm favourite on the island, according to Simpson. An oasis of
tranquility and amenity located on 30 beachfront acres. The Verandah is
the perfect place for a romantic wedding, honeymoon, or family getaway.
Situated amongst a backdrop of lush green gardens, stunning tropical
views and a shimmering turquoise sea, the incredible All-Inclusive blend
of engaging activities, delectable cuisine and entertaining nightlife
allows you the luxury to do it all, or nothing at all.
“When I was there doing a tour, they even had my favourite roast
suckling pig at lunch! The food and entertainment is amazing, and you
wont be disappointed,” adds Simpson.
Planning a trip? Need help with your destination wedding? Want to go
somewhere amazing that’s off the beaten path? Then reach out to Lorraine Simpson today, she will help with all your travel needs!
The world is a changing place in the wake of COVID-19, and this is
why a growing number of businesses in an array of sectors are now
relying on security guard firms to help navigate them through these
unprecedented times.
The good news is that security firms have been quick in diversifying
their services and operations to meet the new demands and challenges:
guards are pivoting their duties, and security organizations have
enlisted more manpower and have found new and innovative strategies on
the planning, scheduling, and solutions fronts. And let’s also not
forget how the global pandemic is helping usher in new technologies for
monitoring, communications, and health and safety.
Security guard firms will help secure your business, people, and assets
More importantly, guards at your business location – whether it be a
storefront, retail outlet, condominium, warehouse, or construction site –
will help maintain order and prevent crimes from happening, while at
the same time minimizing situations of sorts that might escalate
quickly. Simply put, security helps breed normality and safety. Guards
too will also be important for temperature screening and pandemic
questionnaires if mandated by the government, and this could be a
reality in the very near future.
Let’s also not forget about technology – a value-added security solution for your business. When your business is open or closed, innovative surveillance/monitoring cameras
act as the extra-set of eyes, helping deter crime, and they are a great
tool in evidence gathering among law enforcement agencies, and private
detectives.
Even better, technology is helping guards keep businesses more
secure. Security cameras allow them to closely monitor a location in
real-time, and they are also armed with sound communication technology
so that they can instantly speak with other guards and also contact
police, fire, and emergency medical services in the event of an
emergency or crisis.
Never let your “guard” down if you own a business
If you own a business and want to keep your people, property and
assets protected, then you should consider hiring Regal Security Inc.
for your security needs.
We are an extraordinary firm, according to our long list of clients, for a host of reasons.
All our guards are Everyday Superheroes™ and have been working tirelessly during the pandemic, helping keep businesses protected on every level.
“Training and development” is one of the core elements of Regal’s
Crown Service Model of Excellence and our guards are provided with the
best in training and ongoing support at the Regal Training Academy. Our
training for guards involves security procedures, health and safety,
legal authorities, emergency first-aid, sensitivity training, the legal
system, tactical training, emergency response, effective communications,
and more.
That’s right, you are in good hands with our guards who are proud to
work the frontlines in the residential, commercial, construction,
retail, industrial and insurance sectors. Regal also offers
cutting-edge technology which demonstrates our innovation and commitment
to our clients. Through our sister companies, Regotec Systems Inc. and
Regolive Monitoring Inc., we offer the best in custom electronic and
mechanical security solutions and 24-hour video monitoring and video
patrols at facilities at competitive pricing. So, when you are at the
office or away, you can relax better knowing that Regal is looking out
for your business.
Regal Security Inc. launches its LMS Pandemic Awareness and Training Program for guards
You will also like the fact that we are frontrunners when it comes to
training our guards for a pandemic. Regal now has its very own Pandemic
Awareness and Training program for all our guards. Each guard who
completes the informative and extensive training receives an official
Regal Security Inc. Pandemic Awareness and Training Certificate.
Regal Security Inc. is known as a leading security firm and our
guards and technology will benefit your business greatly during a
pandemic, even a crisis.
When you hire Regal Security Inc., Your Peace of Mind™ is what matters most to us – 24/7/365.
For more information and for a free security solutions quote, visit Regal Security Inc. today.
The security guard industry is in hot demand as we witness the COVID-19 pandemic unfold.
This is why Regal Security Inc. in Toronto is on a big hiring campaign and they need more guards to fill the demand in security guard jobs.
Are you a former security professional? Regal requires your professional experience now!
The leading security firm has lots of jobs to fill in Toronto and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and they are now even on-boarding former security guard professionals to help fill the gaps with new requests for services and absenteeism.
If you moved on to another career and find yourself out of work during these times of uncertainty, be certain that Regal Security can use your talents again. So, reach out to the firm right away to secure new employment.
The security industry is now experiencing a discernible, and measurable uptick in requests for services and it will remain this way for quite sometime as everyone navigates the challenges of a global pandemic.
While many enterprises in an array of sectors are seeing a major reduction in commerce, the security guard industry will continue to offer more work as businesses and organizations will continually need to find effective and innovative solutions on the security front.
Security guard jobs in Toronto and across the GTA: Work at Regal
Regal Security Inc. is now hiring top talent to join its team of Everyday Superhero™ guards. The firm is offering part-time and full-time work and they have lots of positions that’s need to be filled immediately.
The positions that Regal is offering include security guards, concierge guards, site supervisors, patrols guards, and mobile guards.
Regal offers competitive pay, extensive training, benefits package, superior management support, flexible work hours, career growth, and more! The company is also fast-tracking applications and they will place new guards in residential condos, commercial low and high-rise buildings, retail, and more.
If you apply today, their team will get back to you in a matter of hours!
If you are ready for a fulfilling career, visit their current openings at www.regalsecurity.ca/security-careers, or send your resume to careers@regalsecurity.ca
Regal Security Inc. files request with the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services so that temporary unlicensed security guards are able to work during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Unemployment is expected to soar well over 20 percent across the country in a matter of days due to layoffs and economic uncertainty in the wake of COVID-19.
However, one thing is certain during these unprecedented times: the security guard industry will be in even higher demand than ever before as an increasing number of businesses and organizations are seeking innovative solutions to protect their properties, people, and assets.
This is why Nick Vetere, the founder and CEO of Regal Security Inc. in Toronto, has filed a formal request with Sylvia Jones, the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, so that security guard firms in Toronto and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) can hire temporary unlicensed security guards.
At present, security guards can only be hired with formal training and they must also possess a Security Guard License from Service-Ontario. Since the demand is going to be extremely high for new guard hires, Vetere is appealing to the Minister for leniency as security manpower is needed everywhere.
Vetere’s letter to the Minister states: “I am writing to ascertain whether the Minister may allow temporary guards to be placed (unlicensed) during these trying times. Our industry, the security guard industry, is largely unaffected by the economics of a particular trend in markets and as usual we are seeing a very discernible uptick in the request for security services throughout the region. With the Federal Government forecasting an up to 20 percent unemployment rate, we feel that we could employ in shorter term many of the peoples displaced during this event. Could the Minister allow for such consideration in the short-term, say 120 to 180 days?
Regal Security Inc. is now on amassive hiring campaign with the heavy demand for security services from current and new clients in array of sectors. The firm has a large number of positions – part-time and full-time – that need to be filled immediately. Positions available include security guards, concierge guards, site supervisors, patrol guards, and mobile guards.
Regal offers competitive pay, extensive training, benefits package, superior management support, flexible work hours, career growth, and more! They are even fast-tracking applications to place guards in residential condos, commercial low-and-high-rise buildings, retail, and more.
The security guard industry is being transformed in so many ways and there’s lots of interesting change still ahead, reports Gary Del Bianco, who is the Senior Vice-President of Corporate Development for Regal Security Inc.
Del Bianco recently took part in a roundtable discussion hosted by Canadian Security Magazine (CSM), where he had the opportunity to address major issues impacting the security industry. The exclusive roundtable event also included participants from three other major security providers.
The roundtable was featured in a recent issue of CSM, and the story received lots of positive response from industry players. The event allowed Del Bianco and the panel to discuss important industry topics, which involved wages, training, recruitment, branding, social media, and new technologies.
The security guard industry: recruitment and hiring
The first topic of discussion focused on the challenges around recruitment and hiring.
“From our perspective for recruitment and hiring, when we look at our metrics let’s say from a couple of years ago, what we find is we’re having to process more applications and interview more people in order to recruit per guard.” explained Del Bianco.
“Certainly the increase in minimum wage had an impact on that. But I think there are other factors as well. The workforce is changing… the qualification of the guard coming into the business has been impacted as well. We’re having to work that much harder to get the qualified staff to meet the criteria that our clients expect … From a retention point of view, for us, I think what’s important is you hire the right guard for the right site. Matching criteria is important. You have to supervise and manage those guards effectively and you also have to support them in terms of ensuring that there’s an opportunity for growth for them in the future … And educating them to that fact.”
He added, “Most of our management team started in the industry as a guard and they’ve advanced since. I don’t think there’s enough knowledge of the fact that there are many, many opportunities in our industry, rather than using this as simply a stepping-stone to another industry. It’s important that we educate and support. It all contributes to better retention.”
“I would have to agree that in today’s environment, we have to use multiple sources for recruiting. For us, online brings in masses of applications, but what results in a higher percentage of final recruits is referrals and word of mouth plus the job fairs. That’s what’s more productive,” said Del Bianco.
Gary Del Bianco, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Development for Regal Security Inc.: “I don’t think that technology is in any way replacing security guards. I think it is enhancing an overall security program.”
Minimum wage changes and it impact on the security industry
A big topic at the roundtable was the 2018 increase in minimum wage (to $14 an hour in Ontario) and how its’ changing the industry.
Del Bianco told the panel that back in 2017, his company started discussions with their client base very early on around mid-year. However, legislation wasn’t completely passed until late in 2017 and everyone had slightly over one month to get it agreed by clients and implemented.
“Certainly there was opposition initially, but understanding contract language, understanding legislation, all helped in that conversation. We took a model of fairness in terms of passing those costs along,” he said.
He further explained, “We didn’t achieve the same delta, going from (old) minimum to the new minimum, but we achieved somewhere close to that with pretty much our entire client base. It took a lot of discussion, a lot of education, a lot of back and forth conversation before those things happened. I agree as well, that the expectation for that same delta doesn’t exist and it’s going to take some time. It’s a continual discussion on that front. We see it on an ongoing basis, even in tenders. You look at the expectations, perhaps the SLAs (service level agreements) that come with it and you think, we have to have a separate (pricing) option, we have to have another discussion on it.”
New technology in the guarding industry
New technology was also a hot topic for participants.
Del Bianco indicated that Regal Security Inc. is seeing an increased need for enhanced security, and that technology will be widely utilized.
“Enhanced security is provided by a combination of services. In some areas that are lower risk, perhaps technology can do it alone. But in our local market, for example, we find that we need feet on the ground as well as the technology. A lot of people are talking about the ‘Big Brother’ look of things,” he said. “We’ve all seen on the news just recently; Ontario has provided another $3-million to the City of Toronto to combat gangs and guns. As that trend continues, and as the trend for global terrorism and terrorism locally grows, the need for additional and more sophisticated technology, and additional dollars for more security overall is going to be the answer.”
So, will new technology replace real humans?
“I don’t think that technology is in any way replacing security guards. I think it is enhancing an overall security program.”
– said Del Bianco.
“You can’t use a traditional model necessarily anymore. Anywhere from a commercial building to a logistics house to even residential condos. There are all kinds of (unwanted) things happening in these sites now. The concierge role is not what it used to be even five or 10 years ago. It’s totally changed.” We are now even more accountable to our clients to provide a certain level of service,” he said.
“The drugs, the gangs, the violence … and mental illness is on the rise. Just dealing with those situations in a very delicate manner before they escalate to something else – those are all key,” said Del Bianco.
More change ahead for the security guard industry
Del Bianco also had the chance to talk about how his firm, like others across Canada, are offering a combination of services, like monitoring, technology, integration services, and how the industry will continue to shift in this direction. He also spoke at length on how guards are more professional and now require formal and ongoing training and how this is helping rebrand the industry as a whole on the professionalism front. Also, social media is having an impact on many levels when it comes to branding, hiring and recruitment.
Read more in Canadian Security Magazine and Visits Regal Security Inc.
To read the full story, visit CSM online. If you are looking for a career in the security guard industry, or are in need of hiring a security firm, visit Regal Security Inc. today and secure your business!
